Intuitionism in Meta-Ethics

Intuitionism is a meta-ethical theory that highlights the significance of moral intuition in comprehending and assessing ethical principles and judgments. Originating primarily from the works of philosophers such as G. E. Moore and W. D. Ross in the early 20th century, intuitionism suggests that there are self-evident moral truths or principles that can be directly apprehended through rational intuition, rather than derived from empirical observation or abstract reasoning.

Key Aspects

1. Moral Intuition:

   Intuitionism contends that moral knowledge relies on direct, non-inferential intuitions or "gut feelings" regarding what is morally right or wrong. Intuitionists argue that certain moral principles or truths are self-evident and can be immediately recognized as such by individuals through their moral intuitions, without requiring further justification or argumentation.

2. Moral Realism:

   Intuitionism aligns with moral realism, asserting the existence of objective moral facts or properties that exist independently of human beliefs and attitudes. According to intuitionists, moral truths are mind-independent and can be discovered through rational intuition, similar to how mathematical or logical truths are grasped.

3. Pluralism and Prima Facie Duties:

   Intuitionism acknowledges ethical pluralism, recognizing the presence of multiple moral principles or duties that apply in different circumstances. W. D. Ross proposed a theory of prima facie duties, which are moral obligations that hold unless overridden by stronger moral considerations in specific situations.

4. Non-naturalism:

   Intuitionism is often associated with non-naturalism, asserting that moral properties are irreducible and non-natural, and cannot be fully explained in terms of natural properties or scientific explanations. Intuitionists argue that moral facts are sui generis and cannot be reduced to any other domain of reality.

5. Critiques and Challenges:

   Intuitionism has encountered various critiques and challenges, including inquiries into the nature and reliability of moral intuition, concerns about cultural and individual variations in moral intuitions, and challenges to the concept of self-evident moral truths. Critics have also raised objections regarding the feasibility of resolving moral disagreements or conflicts solely through appeals to intuition.

Overall, intuitionism presents a distinctive approach to moral philosophy, emphasizing the role of intuition in moral knowledge and justification. Despite facing criticism and debate, intuitionism remains a significant theory in contemporary ethical discourse, influencing discussions about the nature of moral reasoning, the objectivity of morality, and the foundations of ethical principles.

Intuitionism in Meta-Ethics - Q and A

1. What is intuitionism in ethics, and what distinguishes it from other meta-ethical theories?

   Intuitionism is a meta-ethical theory that emphasizes the role of moral intuition in understanding and evaluating ethical principles and judgments. Unlike some other meta-ethical theories that rely on empirical observation or abstract reasoning to derive moral principles, intuitionism posits that certain moral truths are self-evident and can be apprehended directly through rational intuition.

2. How does intuitionism define moral intuition, and what role does it play in moral knowledge?

   In intuitionism, moral intuition refers to the immediate, non-inferential apprehension of moral truths or principles. Moral intuitions are considered to be self-evident and can be directly recognized as true by individuals without the need for further justification or argumentation. Intuitionists argue that moral knowledge is based on these intuitive judgments about what is morally right or wrong.

3. What is the significance of pluralism and prima facie duties in intuitionism?

   Intuitionism acknowledges the existence of pluralism in ethics, recognizing that there may be multiple moral principles or duties that apply in different situations. W. D. Ross, a prominent intuitionist philosopher, proposed a theory of prima facie duties, which are moral obligations that are binding unless overridden by stronger moral considerations in particular circumstances. This allows for flexibility and nuance in moral decision-making.

4. How does intuitionism relate to moral realism and non-naturalism?

   Intuitionism is a form of moral realism, as it posits the existence of objective moral facts or properties that exist independently of human beliefs and attitudes. It is often associated with non-naturalism, which holds that moral properties are irreducible and non-natural, and cannot be fully explained in terms of natural properties or scientific accounts. Intuitionists argue that moral truths are sui generis and not reducible to any other domain of reality.

5. What are some critiques and challenges to intuitionism?

   Intuitionism has faced critiques and challenges regarding the nature and reliability of moral intuition, concerns about cultural and individual differences in moral intuitions, and objections to the idea of self-evident moral truths. Critics have also raised questions about the possibility of resolving moral disagreements or conflicts solely through appeals to intuition, and about the potential for bias or error in intuitive moral judgments.